Their statement followed similar manifestoes issued by the nation's medical and legal associations, an indication that the protests begun by students and workers had taken hold among influential sectors in the middle class.

It soon became apparent that the military government was composed of influential anti-union sectors.

"Now the victims, drawn overwhelmingly from the lower classes, evoke much less concern from influential sectors of society."

In Colombia, whose $89 billion economy dwarfs others in the region, an influential agricultural sector has lobbied against a free trade deal.

Manufacturing is not the most influential economic sector.

Take retailing, arguably the most influential sector in today's advanced economies.

But little support has been expressed for him since his ouster by any of the traditionally influential sectors of Haitian society - the army, politicians, businessmen or intellectuals.

It would demonstrate the Government's willingness to get tough with an influential sector of the community for an increasingly obvious worthy cause.

He has also taken tangible steps welcomed by the most influential sector among his opponents, the business class.

The Ducoudray Holstein expedition obtained financial support from influential people through wealthy foreigners in Puerto Rico, and other influential sectors in the United States.